Sam Altman frequently asked ChatGPT about his newborn, as he was ‘kid-pilled’

Altman uses ChatGPT to navigate early parenthood while exploring its risks for kids.

: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and father of a 3-month-old, frequently relied on ChatGPT for advice during his child's early weeks, referring to himself as 'extremely kid-pilled'. Despite acknowledging the historical management of childcare without AI, Altman highlights the modern reliance on the tool, comparable to previous generations' reliance on internet searches. While ChatGPT is not fundamentally different from other online resources, concerns remain about AI hallucination, parasocial relationships, and its use by young children. Altman underscores the immense potential of AI, despite potential risks, emphasizing society's ability to manage its drawbacks.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently described himself as “extremely kid-pilled” following the birth of his son. In a candid conversation on OpenAI’s podcast, he admitted to using ChatGPT frequently during the early weeks of parenthood, relying on it for advice about soothing techniques, feeding routines, and sleep patterns. He likened the experience to having a trusted assistant at all hours, noting that while Google had been the go-to for past generations, ChatGPT now plays that role for him.

Altman’s son was born prematurely on February 22, 2025, and spent his first days in the NICU. In a social media post, Altman shared that the experience filled him with an overwhelming sense of love and joy. He recalled feeling “neurochemically hacked” by fatherhood within an hour of his child’s birth, suggesting a profound emotional transformation that affected his personal outlook and approach to leadership at OpenAI.

Reflecting on AI’s evolving role in everyday life, Altman acknowledged that ChatGPT isn’t perfect—it can hallucinate or give incorrect answers—but he still finds its utility in parenting remarkable. He highlighted how AI can serve as a valuable tool for guidance while reminding users that it should not replace human judgment. He expressed excitement about future generations growing up with an inherent fluency in AI, even if those children will never surpass the intelligence of the models they use.

Despite his embrace of AI-assisted parenting, Altman expressed concern over emotional over-reliance on chatbots. In a Senate testimony, he warned about children forming parasocial relationships with AI tools. He advocated for stronger age-based protections and limitations to ensure children develop healthy relationships with technology and retain authentic emotional bonds with people.

Altman’s journey into parenthood offers a humanizing perspective on the broader discussion around AI. His experience reveals both the power and limitations of AI in deeply personal spaces like family life. While he embraces its support, he remains cautious about letting it replace the human aspects of parenting.

Sources: Business Insider, The Verge

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